Gloria 1982

A marvellous showing for Gloria abounding with fragrance; rose petals, smoked bacon, sweet tobacco, cherries, crushed strawberries and dried flowers. Peppy and bright on the palate, very St-Julien in character, high acidity with a crushed stone texture, fine tannins and quite a sharp tang on the back. While it doesn't carry as much fullness and power as some in the tasting, this also doesn't seem as old as some, with an appealing, bright and controlled palate still full of energy and spark. Likely to still be relatively good value if seeking out today.

This wine was a big, rich fruit bomb in its youth, revealing notions of tapenade, olives, and herbs. It has always been delicious, and continues to display glorious levels of fruit, attractive, sweet tannin, and a velvety texture. I mistakenly thought it would be in its grave five or six years ago. Consistently pleasurable and hedonistic, and at the same time gaining complexity, it is fully mature and I don't think it will evolve any further ... but I said the same thing 10-15 years ago.

The 1982 Gloria, which would have been vinified in large wood tanks and a few epoxy-lined steel tanks, is a vintage that I have not tasted for many years. It is showing some bricking on the rim. The nose is fully mature with red fruit, mushroom, sous-bois and fennel, open and slightly rustic, yet charming. The palate is again, fully mature with supple tannins, rustic and a bit meaty in style. Orange rind, mushroom and a touch of truffle towards the finish, though based on this showing, I would drink in the near future.